Archtop Bridge Fitting Jig

$44.04

Archtop Bridge Fitting Jig

About This Item

Get a better fit for better sound! This is the easiest way to sand your instrument's arch into the bridge bottom. For guitars and mandolins.

The jig holds the bridge base while the bridge feet are sanded to match the instrument's top curvature.

Proper contact of the bridge feet is critical to the sound of an archtop instrument. Rubbing the bridge base over sandpaper on the arched top of the instrument is a standard technique for matching the bridge and top surfaces. Unfortunately, because it's difficult to hold the bridge by hand and keep it correctly aligned, the bridge feet are usually sanded unevenly into an ill-fitting contour. The instrument loses tone.

Our aluminum jig attaches to the bridge base with the bridge's own thumbweels. Lock the height of the jig roller for the desired bridge angle and move the assembly over the sandpaper. The 3-point contact assures you the bridge feet will be correctly contoured. No more lost tone!

Bridge fitting jig

I had a customer who wanted me to make a Gretsch synchromatic style bridge. Because there is much more contact space on the feet, I decided to try this jig. It worked perfectly and saved me a lot of time.

A Rave Review

Watched Dan Erlewine's video and bought it to use on mandolins as well as guitars. Used it twice so far for a perfect full-contact fit - something almost impossible to do by hand. Cudos to the inventor and StewMac for carrying it!

Great jig.

This is an excellent jig that holds very securely, and is very rigid. However, in order for it to be used to its full potential, you can't skimp on preparation and setup of your tape and sandpaper. The best fit comes from sanding in very small motions as close to the final position as possible. Also, any lift in the edges of the sandpaper can have a very noticeable effect on fit. Make sure to use good sticky sandpaper.